For Souhegan Valley businesses, the future of marketing has arrived

By NANCY BEAN FOSTERUnion Leader Correspondent

AMHERST - Using the latest technology to boost the profile of a business can seem like a daunting task, but the Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce is offering a technology fair this week that will take some of the mystery out of modern-day marketing tools.

On Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with Hesser College, Holt Proctor McBriary Insurance and certified financial planner Mike Bonacorsi will offer technology workshops and information displays at the St. Paul Lutheran Education Center at the corner of Route 101A and Craftsman Lane in Amherst.

According to the chamber's executive director, May Balsama, the fair is designed to educate those who aren't quite comfortable with gadgets and software about the finer points that could make huge differences in how they manage or market their businesses. Learning about extra features in Quickbooks or knowing how to turn that iPhone or Blackberry into a marketing tool can be complicated but having someone on hand to show how it's done can remove a lot of the guesswork.

"The tech fair and workshop presentations offer tools that can be used by business owners, managers and employees to strengthen and build your business, said Balsama. "The topics cover real world applications and concrete instruction to make the most of the latest in systems and devices tailored to business applications."

The tech fair will offer a total of nine presentations divided into three concurrent 45 minute sessions. The topics of the presentations will include: Apple, Microsoft and Android operating systems; Quickbooks; Powerful PowerPoint Presentations; Using The Cloud; WordPress; Practical Social Media; and QR Codes to Promote Sales.

Space is limited for the workshops and reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the chamber of commerce at 673-4360 or emailing may@souhegan.net. Admission, including the workshops, materials and refreshments, is $10.